Spies, earthquakes, poets and revolutions: discover the heart of Lisbon with a local, and enjoy a ginjinha along the way. Book for €1.50 and decide for yourself how much to pay at the end.
Fun fact: In 1755, an earthquake, tsunami and fire razed Lisbon to the ground in a single day. The Baixa you'll explore was rebuilt from the ashes.
Highlights
- Discover Lisbon's World War II spies
- Views from the Santa Justa Lift and the Carmo ruins
- The bohemian spirit of Bairro Alto and the elegance of Chiado
- Raise a glass of ginjinha, Lisbon's signature liqueur
- A grand finale at Praça do Comércio
Full description
Lisbon isn't just a city you visit: it's a city you listen to. For almost three hours, a local guide will take you from the bustle of Rossio up the hills of Chiado, sharing stories you won't find in any guidebook: how the city became a den of spies during World War II, why the Portuguese are still waiting for a king who disappeared in 1578, and how the 1755 earthquake changed everything, from the streets to European philosophy. You'll climb to the ruins of the Convento do Carmo, feel the bohemian pulse of Bairro Alto, pay your respects to Camões and Pessoa in Chiado, and raise a glass of ginjinha, the sour cherry liqueur Lisboners drink in one shot. The finale, in the vast Praça do Comércio overlooking the river, is one you'll remember long after it's saved to your phone. How does it work? The €1.50 you pay when booking is just a booking fee: it reserves your place in the group, but it doesn't go to the guide. The tour itself is tip-based: at the end, you give your guide whatever you think they've earned. Most people leave €15–20 per person, but here the price is decided by your smile, not a price list.
Route
Duration: 2 h 40 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Piazza dei Restauradores
Guided visit · 10 min
Meeting point: the 1640 Independence Monument
On foot (2 min)
2Stazione del Rossio
Guided visit · 10 min
A Neo-Manueline façade, a vanished king and World War II spies
On foot (3 min)
3Chiesa di São Domingos e Memoriale Ebraico
Guided visit · 15 min
The story of the 1506 massacre
On foot (2 min)
4Piazza del Rossio
Guided visit · 10 min
Peter IV, King of Portugal and first Emperor of Brazil
On foot (2 min)
5Sosta per la ginjinha
Free time · 10 min
Lisbon's traditional sour cherry liqueur (drink not included)
On foot (5 min)
6Elevador de Santa Justa
Photo stop · 10 min
Views over the Baixa
On foot (5 min)
7Convento do Carmo
Guided visit · 15 min
The ruins left by the 1755 earthquake and the Carnation Revolution
On foot (5 min)
8Bairro Alto e Chiesa di São Roque
Guided visit · 15 min
The bohemian neighborhood and Portugal's first Jesuit church
On foot (5 min)
9Largo de Camões (Chiado)
Guided visit · 15 min
Camões, Pessoa and the São Carlos Theatre
On foot (8 min)
10Rua Augusta
Pass by · 10 min
The Baixa rebuilt by the Marquis of Pombal
On foot (3 min)
11Praça do Comércio
Guided visit · 15 min
A grand finale beneath the Rua Augusta Arch
For reference only: the route and times may change on the day.
Duration: 2 h 40 min
Shared group
Up to 6 people
Guide / driver speaks
Italian
What's included
Local Italian-speaking guide
Almost 3-hour walking tour of the historic center
Stories, fun facts and tips from a true Lisbon local
Not included
Tip for the guide at the end of the tour (average €15–20 per person)
Food and drinks (including ginjinha)
Admission fees and transportation
Meeting point
Lisboa, Portugal
The exact meeting point is provided in the booking confirmation.
Important information
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Water
- Cash for the tip
Not allowed
- Groups of more than 6 people, even if booked separately
Good to know
- Look for the blue umbrella with the yellow «Free Tour» sign
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early
- The tour runs rain or shine
- At the end, leave whatever tip you feel is fair, in cash
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up until the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, please cancel so someone else can take your place.
Company's general termsShowHide
Tip-based free tour: the €1.50 paid when booking is a booking fee and does not include the guide's payment. At the end of the tour, everyone gives the guide what they feel is fair, in cash and euros only (the average is €15–20 per person). Maximum 6 people per booking: we don't accept groups of more than 6, even if they book separately. There are more of you? For larger groups, we require advance payment of €12 per adult and €5 per child, or you can book a private tour. Drinks, food, admission fees and transportation are not included. Stops may vary depending on the guide, weather or events in the city. Free cancellation up until the start time.
Questions and answers
Where is the pick-up?
At the hotel, rental or address you give when booking. The company confirms the exact spot and time.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Count children in the number of people. For child seats or other needs, write to the company through the booking messages.
Can we stop wherever we like?
On a private service the vehicle is just for your group: agree stops with the driver, within the service's duration.
Can I cancel?
Free cancellation up until the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, please cancel so someone else can take your place.
How do I pay?
Online, by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You get the confirmation by e-mail straight away.
What if I have more questions?
After booking, talk to the company through the booking messages. Before that, write to us at [email protected].
